Features: A Message from Claes Nobel A Message from Outgoing Student Council Advisory Board Highlights New Student Council College-Bound Advice The Value of Taking AP Classes Begin College Applications Now My Take on the SAT Getting a Head Start Never Hurt Anybody Spotlight on Service -- From your own Backyard to a Nicaragua Village The Power of Committed Citizens -- Helping the Poor in Nicaragua J.M.H. Academy Volunteer Effort -- Cordele, Georgia, Health and Rehabilitation Center Giving Back to Your Local Community Special Opportunities -- Students Take Advantage of Exciting Programs AFS Exchange Program -- Living in Brazil Summer Business Institute -- LEAD (Leadership Education and Development) Summer in Switzerland for Natasa Kovasevic Food for Thought For the Devout Carb-Quitters: New Bread that is Literally Nothing Living Successfully The following article was written by NSHSS Vice President Bob Sheppard, who worked for twenty years with college and high school honor societies. He wanted to share the insights he had gained from his life and had prepared this article shortly before his untimely death in February 2004. Although his life was cut short, for forty-three years Bob was "living successfully." He was a great friend dedicated to helping young people and spent his life devoting himself to volunteer service. In his memory, we have established the Robert P. Sheppard Leadership Award, a $1,000 academic scholarship. For application and guidelines, please click here. Living Successfully by Robert P. Sheppard I am honored and humbled to have the opportunity to share my thoughts and experiences with the members of The National Society of High School Scholars. In preparing to write this article, I put a lot of thought into what I could write that would really make a difference in your lives as you continue your education and prepare for college. It's been over 20 years since I left college, and I have learned quite a lot out in the real world. My work has provided me with unlimited opportunities to learn, to travel, and to really grow as a person. I have had the opportunity to spend the day with Elizabeth Dole at the American Red Cross, work with Alex Haley on his Tennessee farm, assist in planting trees with honor students in the Aboriginal communities of Australia, and care for children stricken with AIDS in the shanty-towns of South Africa. For these experiences I am most grateful. I've decided to share with you my thoughts on success--how is it defined, how do you measure it, when do you know if you have it. Success can mean many different things to different people. To some it may mean how much money you make, to others it may be based on your relationships, and for some success might mean contentment. Read more... << Back to Journal Home page